This spring, CAF America embarked on one of its most impactful programs: the annual Site Visit initiative. Every year, a group of our colleagues travels across the globe to meet with charitable partners, deepen our understanding of their work, and build stronger, more effective partnerships. The importance of these visits cannot be overstated. They allow us to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the organizations we support, helping to ensure that our funding is making a tangible difference.
This year, I was one of the fortunate 14 team members selected to participate in the program. Alongside my colleague, Jeffrey Lewek, I traveled to Malaysia for a week to visit a number of nonprofit organizations in the area. One of the highlights of our journey was our time spent at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Kuala Lumpur.
YWCA Kuala Lumpur’s Mission
Walking through the gates of YWCA Kuala Lumpur, I was immediately struck by the energy of the place. The vibrant garden and large mature trees that greeted us was more than just a peaceful retreat; it was a vital part of the program, providing fresh ingredients for meals and culinary training. This was just a glimpse of how YWCA transforms the lives of the young women who come through its doors.
Founded in 1913, YWCA KL has spent decades empowering women and girls from diverse backgrounds. Their mission is to help women recognize their worth and provide them with the tools to achieve independence, self-reliance, and personal growth. Through its Vocational Training and Opportunities Center (VTOC), YWCA KL offers courses in fashion design, tailoring, culinary arts, beauty care, and early childhood education. But it’s more than just vocational training–it’s a life-changing opportunity for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds to build a future for themselves.
Many of the girls who come to YWCA KL are from the B40 community – the bottom 40% of income earners in Malaysia. Without programs like VTOC, these girls might not have access to the education and training they need to break the cycle of poverty. But here, they find a second chance, and they are not alone. YWCA KL has built strong connections across Malaysia, reaching out to indigenous tribal communities and beyond to encourage young women to join their vocational programs.
Partnership with CAF America
Since 2015, CAF America has provided over $378,00 in funding to YWCA KL through nine grants. The bulk of this funding has supported their VTOC program, where girls learn practical skills like culinary arts, tailoring, and beauty care. These skills give them the ability to support themselves and, importantly, give back to their communities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of YWCA KL’s approach is its holistic focus. The program doesn’t just teach vocational skills, but also offers work readiness training, entrepreneurial development, and counseling to help trainees overcome the barriers they face, whether those are rooted in poverty or family backgrounds. The staff at YWCA KL understands that for these young women to succeed, they need more than technical skills–they need the confidence to pursue their dreams and support to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to sit down with Principal Elizabeth Easaw, Chair Joanne Yeoh, and Assistant Principal Ms. Kim. We discussed the successes and challenges of running such a pivotal program. Their passion for the work they do was evident in every story they shared. It was clear that YWCA KL isn’t just changing lives–it’s transforming entire communities.
One recent VTOC graduate shared her story:
“My first time experience at VTOC (Vocational Training Opportunity Centre), I was very nervous. I’ve learned a lot and attended many programs that have boosted my confidence. Then I went for my internship. It was hard but a great experience despite it being a male dominated industry. I’ve really learned to stand up for myself.”
– A recent VTOC participant
The organization has seen great success over the past few years, and the numbers speak for themselves. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA KL’s impact has been profound. In 2020, 52 girls graduated from the program, with 42% finding jobs. By 2021, 70% of graduates had secured internships, and 65% were employed within three months. As of the 2023–2024 academic year, those numbers have only grown: 87.5% of graduates secured internships, and 81.5% found gainful employment within a year of graduation.
These are more than just statistics: each percentage point represents a young woman who has been given the opportunity to create a better future for herself and her family. Each job placement is a life changed and a community strengthened.
Looking to the Future
Our visit to YWCA Kuala Lumpur was more than just an opportunity to witness their work firsthand. It was a chance to deepen our partnership, identify new areas of need, and build on the trust we’ve developed over the years.
As we look ahead, I am excited about the possibilities for YWCA KL and CAF America to continue working together to support marginalized young women in Malaysia. Our donors’ generosity continues to allow YWCA KL’s VTOC to empower marginalized young women in Malaysia, impacting over 1,800 girls by equipping them with skills to enter the workforce and improve their livelihoods.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the staff at YWCA KL for their warm welcome and hospitality. The work they are doing is truly life-changing, and I’m honored to be part of their journey.
Learn More and Support YWCA Kuala Lumpur
Learn more about the incredible work being done by YWCA KL and how you can support their programs.
Learn more about the great work done by organizations we support by viewing our other Stories of Impact.